This chapter has focused on four physical agents that are commonly encountered in

industry$$radiation$,$ noise, vibration, and thermal stress.

Industries in which agents such as ionizing radiation are encountered have implemented extensive, specialized training programs and procedures. Noise orsound exposure occurs in most professions; however, construction workers,

cafeteria workers, and farmers are some who are most at risk for hearing damage. Noise

can be controlled by using various methods and should follow the source$-$path$-$human

strategies used by health and safety professionals.

Vibration exposure must be measured and monitored, but determining the amount

of vibration that is hazardous is often difficult. Not all physicians have the training or

expertise to diagnose vibration$-$related injuries and illnesses, and the effects of vibration

can vary from one person to the next. An important first step is to be informed about

the standards or exposure limits to better understand this issue.

Thermal stress conditions involve hot and cold temperature extremes and these

environments can be hazardous to an individual$$s health. Provincial legislation requires

that employers take precautions to prevent heat$-$related illnesses and the risks of heat

exposure. Engineering and administrative controls and PPE mechanisms reduce the risk

of suffering from heat exposure and heat$-$related or cold$-$related injury or illness.

Simple prevention policies and programs are mostly adequate for reducing and controlling worker exposure to physical agents. write Journal Reflection on this